Schools

Meet the team

Sarah Thomas – Head of Discovery & Learning

Sarah joined the Zoological Society of London in 2011 and leads the Discovery and Learning teams at ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. She’s currently the chair of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria Education Committee. She has a BSc (Hons) in Zoology, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and in her final year of a part time PhD in Education Research at Lancaster University. The focus of her research is exploring the knowledge of, attitude towards and efficacy in the social dimensions of conservation by ZSL staff, with a specific focus on creating and implementing an organisation-wide strategy for the social dimensions of conservation.

Kerry Bailey – Senior Learning Manager

Kerry joined the D&L team in August 2017. Immediately after graduating, BSc (Hons) BioPsychology, she joined Marwell Zoological Park as one of the Education Officers. Kerry established an Education and Community Department at Staunton Country Park, receiving 12,000 school visitors each year, providing 6,000 annual volunteer days for adults with learning difficulties, coordinating an Education Membership scheme with over 45 institutions and culminating in a successful Parks for People lottery application. In 2013, Kerry was promoted to the Parks Business Manager for Staunton and Queen Elizabeth Country Parks, and went on to increase this portfolio to include all Country Parks owned by Hampshire County Council. Kerry is keen to use her management skills to support and develop the Discovery and Learning department at ZSL, focusing her efforts towards her passion for conservation education.

Ruth – Discovery & Learning Officer

With degrees in Biology and a PGCE in Secondary Science education, Ruth has worked in informal science education for more than 10 years. Her role helps to develop and deliver the schools programme and seasonal events, and she has worked on a variety of exciting projects, including a youth engagement initiative linked to the Rio Earth Summit, and an environmental schools education programme in Zambia with Save the Rhino International. She has a particular interest in sustainability and outdoor learning, and thinks it is important that people have experiences that connect them with the natural world. She also sits on the Management Committee of the London Environmental Educators Forum (LEEF).

Hannah – Discovery & Learning Inclusion Officer

Having studied Archaeology and Palaeobiology at university, Hannah trained as a teacher of Geography and taught in secondary schools for a number of years, before moving into informal education and community engagement. Working in a range of settings including parks and museums, she has had experience of working with a truly diverse range of audiences to develop and deliver a broad range of education events and activities, and am currently enjoying developing our Discovery & Learning offer at both ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo to ensure it is fully inclusive for all our visitors.

Stephanie – Discovery & Learning Officer

Stephanie has a BSc in Biology and has been working in environmental education and conservation for the past nine years. Before joining ZSL, she worked on a primate conservation project in Vietnam, which included running an education programme with schools and tourists to engage with (and protect) their amazing local wildlife. At ZSL, Stephanie loves that we have the opportunity for students to apply science in a real-life context – not just in the Zoo, but also by showcasing the work that our conservationists are doing to protect and understand wildlife out in the field.

Belgin – Discovery & Learning Officer

Belgin’s passion for animals, conservation and learning is perfectly encompassed within her role. With a degree in Science and Psychology and a PGCE she has enjoyed teaching in formal education for fifteen years and moved into informal education when she became a learning volunteer at ZSL’s Education department. She loves having the opportunity to enthuse students to learn and apply knowledge in such a unique setting whilst understanding how they can make a positive impact on the natural world. She is currently studying online with the United for Wildlife community widening her knowledge about conservation issues. Ultimately, Belgin hopes to inspire students to become part of ZSL’s mission to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats.

Heather – Discovery & Learning Officer

Heather studied astrophysics at university before moving to London to pursue a career in science communication. She spent 6 years working in London museums, delivering science events for a range of audiences, nationally and internationally. Wildlife has always been a passion for Heather, and she is thrilled to be a part of the education team at ZSL London Zoo. When she’s not peering through her telescope, Heather enjoys birdwatching and hunting for spiders in her back garden.

Sarah – Discovery & Learning Officer

A year spent working on conservation programmes in Australia inspired Sarah to work towards a career which combined her love of nature with her enthusiasm for education. With a BA in Primary Education, she has six years teaching in formal and informal education sectors. She is currently working on completing an MSc Education for Sustainability. Sarah feels very fortunate to be involved in zoo education; with the setting providing fantastic opportunities to fuel a love of wildlife and the natural world through educational experiences.

Sarah – Practical Learning Officer

Sarah began at ZSL in 2011 as a member of the Retail and Admissions team at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, while volunteering on the animal sections and studying for her Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals. Sarah went on to work as a keeper for 5 years, most specifically working with the sea lions, otters and on the children’s farm before moving to Discovery & Learning in June 2017. ‘’I love having the opportunity to use everything I have learnt as a keeper to help inspire the next generation of animal professionals.’’

Ann – Schools Supervisor

Ann has worked at ZSL London Zoo for over 15 years and works closely with all school groups that visit us. Each day she meets and greets schools and answers any questions they may have to help them have a great day. She loves watching the expressions and excitement on the children’s faces as they enter into the zoo. She works very closely with the Discovery & Learning officer and is passionate about helping the Discovery & Learning inclusion officer support projects developing activity for learners with special educational needs and disabilities.

Alison – Schools Lunchroom Supervisor

Alison has worked with children, in an educational setting, for the past 13 years while raising her own two. She has always had a passion for animals and their welfare and is thrilled to have the opportunity to share this with young people coming into the zoo. The best part of her job is listening to the children say how brave they were touching a snake or a cockroach and that visiting the zoo has changed how they think and feel about wildlife.

Cassandra – Evaluation Coordinator

Cassandra has a BA in Archaeology and Ancient History and has always been interested in studying societies and the variety of relationships we form. She joined ZSL in 2012 in the new role as evaluation coordinator and has since had the opportunity to work across the society encouraging evaluative practice throughout. She has always championed the value of informal learning and loves the opportunity to be able to begin to evidence through her work. She supports the department to use student and teacher feedback to shape everything we do, which enables us to be reflective and forward thinking in our approach to learning.

Charlotte – Coordinator for Public Engagement with Conservation Science

With a BSc in Ecology and Environmental Biology and an MSc in Science Communication, Charlotte has more than ten years’ experience of working with schools, the public and scientists. She previously worked as a science communicator at the Natural History Museum and is a qualified field guide for Southern Africa. She is passionate about developing and supporting new opportunities for ZSL researchers and conservationists - giving them the opportunity to directly engage with our visitors and school groups, and reveal what goes on behind the scenes at ZSL.

Clementine – Zoological Administrator

Clementine has worked at ZSL London Zoo in a variety of roles. Originally from Australia, she previously worked in the events industry perfecting her organisation and planning skills. The best part of her job is being able to work alongside a team of people who are passionate about conservation and wildlife. She enjoys spending time with the Discovery & Learning rats, who have completely transformed her view of rodents.